RPV’s POINTS OF VIEW

(RPV’s CORE PRINCIPLES, word-for-ford full translation)

The Points of View is the highest official document of RPV, and is the basis for drafting and adjusting the RPV policies and action programs.

As adopted by the Strategic Campaign Committee of RPV, October 16, 2024

Amended by the Strategic Campaign Committee of RPV, March 1, 2025

We the Republican Party of Vietnam (RPV) are pleased to introduce our Points of View, which outline the core principles and values that guide our vision for a civilized and prosperous Vietnam:

RPV advocates peace, with the goal of building the true Republic, bringing civilization and prosperity to Vietnam in peace, complying with the United Nations (UN) Charter and international treaties that Vietnam has signed. We emphasize the implementation of the International Bill of Human Rights, in particular the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 16, 1966.

1. On Vietnam’s Future:

We believe in a civilized and prosperous future for Vietnam under a true republican polity, integrating with the world but still preserving the good traditional values of the nation. As a political party, we support all policies and actions towards this goal, and advocate the realization of the legitimate aspirations of voters, as long as they do not contradict the International Bill of Human Rights and international treaties to which Vietnam has signed.

2. On National Territory:

We advocate maintaining the integrity of the national territory, including the territory on land, airspace, waters, underground, and islands and archipelagos over which Vietnam has sovereignty, or has evidence of sovereignty in terms of geography, legality, and history, especially the Paracel Islands.

Regarding the Spratly Islands, RPV firmly maintains Vietnam’s sovereignty, however, we support compliance with the “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea” (DOC), and look forward to the prompt signing of the “Code of Conduct in the South China Sea” (COC).

We oppose any territorial occupation by force from any country.

3. On Building a Republic:

We aim to establish a true Republic grounded in five core principles, implemented through ten synchronized methods:

Principle 1: Ensuring the Sovereignty of the People by two methods:

  • Representative Democracy: In a Republic, the supreme power belongs to the people. They have the right to elect representatives to govern the state on their behalf. We take this approach to ensure that the government reflects the will and aspirations of the people.
  • Free and Fair Elections: We implement a free, transparent, fair, and periodic election method to ensure the power of the people.

Principle 2: Ensuring the Rule of Law by two methods:

  • Respect for the Law: We thoroughly implement the idea that the Law is supreme and that everyone, including government and party leaders, must abide by it. No one is allowed to stand above the law.
  • Independent Judicial System: We advocate ensuring an independent court system, free from being dominated by political parties or other powers, in order to preserve the sanctity of the rule of law.

Principle 3: Guarantee Individual Freedom by two methods:

  • Safeguarding Fundamental Freedoms: We advocate ensuring the basic freedoms of the people in accordance with the provisions of the International Bill of Human Rights, such as freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and the right to own personal property. Those rights cannot be infringed upon by the authorities.
  • Equality before the Law: We advocate that all citizens have the right to be protected and equal before the principles set forth by the law, regardless of gender, race, religion, or social status.

Principle 4: Ensuring accountability by two methods:

  • Transparent and Accountable Government: We advocate that government officials and agencies should be transparent and accountable to the people, and have an obligation to be accountable for their decisions and actions.
  • Open Access to Information: We advocate that people have access to public information on government activities and can participate in the decision-making process.

Principle 5: Ensure the mechanism of control and balance of power (checks and balances) by two methods:

  • Separation of Powers: We advocate that state power be divided between the legislature, executive, and judiciary, with each agency having separate functions and powers. This prevents the concentration of power and ensures mutual control between these agencies.
  • Effective Oversight Mechanisms: We advocate that powerful agencies can monitor and inspect each other’s activities, ensuring that no agency exceeds its authority. In addition, the open access to public information in the fourth principle will also help the media and the public to participate in the process of supervising the authorities.

4. On Vietnam’s Legal System:

As a political party operating primarily in Vietnam, although we recognize many inadequacies in Vietnamese law and our desire for reform, RPV acknowledges the existing legal system, as long as these regulations do not contradict the international treaties to which Vietnam has signed. We uphold the principle of “citizens can do what is not prohibited by law” and are ready to protect the rights of everyone, from members to all citizens, when they exercise this right.

We consider the inclusion of our representatives in the legislature an important task, in order to participate in commenting and amending draft laws in accordance with the legitimate aspirations of voters and towards universal values recognized by the United Nations. We advocate building a unified legal system, without double standards, in which everyone is fairly protected according to the values of the law.

5. On Elections and Candidacy:

We respect the right to vote and the right to run for election in accordance with the law, to advocate:

  • Citizens from the age of 18 have the right to vote, which is a freedom, not a compulsory obligation. Voters have the right not to vote if they do not find a credible candidate, or simply do not want to participate in the election.
  • Citizens from the age of 21 have the right to run for election to the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels. RPV has specific regulations on the selection of qualified and capable members to run for office, in order to meet the legitimate aspirations of voters.

6. On Civil Society Organizations and Other Political Parties:

We foster cooperation with civil society organizations and other political parties when they share common values and goals, or when such cooperation benefits the majority of voters and the bright future of Vietnam.

7. On Education:

We consider liberal education to be the foundation of the country’s development. We advocate:

  • Free public education until the end of high school, focusing on developing essential skills, encouraging creative and critical thinking of students.
  • Professionalize the teaching profession and apply advanced educational models suitable to the Vietnamese context.
  • Respect the right to lifelong learning.

RPV is committed to working with international organizations and civil society to find solutions that improve the quality of education and ensure sustainable development.

8. On Religion and Ethnicity:

  • On religion: We support religious freedom within the framework of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and do not interfere with the internal affairs of religious organizations.
  • On ethnicity: We uphold national unity, respect the language and identity of each ethnic group.

9. On Gender Equality:

We respect all genders recognized by law.

We are committed to promoting gender equality, evaluating people based on competence rather than gender.

10. On Foreign Relations:

We advocate international cooperation, seeks alliances and wishes to be friends with all organizations interested in promoting human rights, the green environment and prosperity for Vietnam.

We advocate not interfering in the internal political affairs of other countries.

11. On Economy:

We advocate promoting a free economy, reducing government intervention in the economy except for measures that need to be taken to reduce inflation or stimulate demand for the economy.

We attach great importance to the private economy and prioritize the development of the private economy in all fields in accordance with the regulations of the World Trade Organization (WTO), especially in the field of clean and environmentally friendly energy.

Specific economic policies will be adjusted according to each period.

12. On Taxation:

We propose tax reductions for businesses and individuals to encourage investment, with minimal or no taxes on clean energy, education, healthcare, and essential goods. Conversely, we advocate higher taxes on luxury items, alcohol, tobacco, and other legal stimulants. Tax policies will be adjusted in stages.

With these principles, we firmly believe that it will contribute to constructing and developing Vietnam into a civilized and prosperous country.

The transformation of society must begin with us. It cannot wait for anyone else!

The above are the RPV’s Points of View, effective from the date of adoption by the RPV Strategic Campaign Committee and valid throughout the operation of the RPV’s Strategic Campaign Committee. The RPV’s Points of View (RPV’s core principles) will become the highest official document of the party, if ratified by the first session of the RPV’s National Council, or the first session of the RPV’s National Committee.

March 1st, 2025

RPV Strategic Campaign Committee